I have had on and off periods where I haven't been able to eat. I think it seems to come more heavily when I am under a lot of stress. Most the time I get it under control after a week, but at this point its been a week and I am still having a really hard time eating. I've lost about 7 pounds in a couple weeks, and I only weighed 117 before that started. My hipbones are sticking out really far, and my pants sag on my butt, so I know its getting bad. But, whenever I eat, I feel like I am going to throw up. Maybe it is stress related or maybe it is a symptom of something else? Do you think I should go to the doctor? Oh I am 20 and I also work full time and go to school if that helps any. Please help me I need to know what is wrong. Everyone thinks I am bulimic. But I know I am not fat, I am very skinny I'm 5'7 and naturally only weigh in around 117. I just feel like this problem is going to kill me!

Response from Mr. Vergel

Nausea is very common in HIV and can be very destructive to your health. Some medications like AZT may cause it. Stress/anxiety could also be involved. There are medications that your doctor can prescribe like Marinol (it makes people feel a little stoned, so I do not think you could go to work and school), and Zofran (an expensive oral that works pretty well). You can also try ginger tea since it helps settle your gut some.
Talk to your doctor about this. Involuntary weight loss can kill you.

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